Mbale Tigers Table Tennis Club will host Uganda’s official celebration of World Table Tennis Day (WTTD) on 23rd April 2026 in Mbale City, bringing together players, officials, partners, and communities in a powerful showcase of sport, inclusion, and national unity.
The event will be held in collaboration with the Uganda Table Tennis Association and aligns with global celebrations under the International Table Tennis Federation, which this year marks 100 years of existence and contribution to humanity through sport.
A Celebration of Inclusion and Legacy
World Table Tennis Day, observed annually on April 23, honors Ivor Montagu, the founder and first president of ITTF and organiser of the first World Table Tennis Championships in 1926. Since its establishment in 2015, the day has become a global platform promoting participation, social inclusion, and the unifying power of table tennis.
Mbale Tigers’ 2026 celebration will be held under the theme:
“Health and Well-being for All Through Table Tennis”
The event will place special emphasis on:
- Para Table Tennis
- Parkinson’s category players
- Veterans and Masters
- Youth and senior competitive players
- A Proud History of Inclusion
Mbale Tigers’ leadership in inclusive sport dates back to 2007, when its Director, Mr Emmanuel Matsyetsye—then President of UTTA—initiated Para Table Tennis activities at Lugogo Indoor Stadium by dedicating equipment and space specifically for persons living with disabilities.
This initiative led to the participation of Uganda’s first Para Table Tennis team in the NSSF Open Tournament, demonstrating the principle of universality and inclusion in sport.
Over the years, the program has produced notable athletes including:
Kato, an early standout player
Dennis, who has represented Uganda internationally, including in Nigeria and South Africa.
Khamuka Khadija, now based in France
Uthman, currently serving as a coach at Mbale Tigers
Event Highlights
The Mbale City celebration will feature:
- Exhibition and competitive matches
- Inclusive participation across all ability levels
- Community engagement activities
- Recognition of athletes and stakeholders
- Health and wellness awareness through sport
The event is expected to attract key stakeholders including city officials, sports administrators, development partners, and sponsors.
Call for Participation
Mbale Tigers Table Tennis Club invites:
- Players of all levels
- Schools and institutions
- Corporate partners and sponsors
- Media and the general public to take part in this national celebration.
In addition, membership applications are open year-round, offering opportunities for individuals to develop their talent and be part of a growing table tennis community.
About World Table Tennis Day
World Table Tennis Day celebrates the accessibility and inclusiveness of table tennis, a sport played globally across all ages and abilities. Recognized for its physical and mental health benefits—including improved coordination, reflexes, and cardiovascular fitness—the sport continues to grow both recreationally and competitively, including its presence in the Olympic Games since 1988.
